20 December 2023 (Lloyd's List) - MALAYSIA will ban Zim and Israel-flagged ships from docking at its ports in protest against Israel’s war in Gaza.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s office said in a statement that any ships en route to Israel would be refused from loading cargo at its ports.

“These sanctions are a response to Israel’s actions that ignore basic humanitarian principles and violate international law through the ongoing massacre and brutality against Palestinians,” it said.

But it added: “Malaysia is confident that the decision will not affect Malaysia’s trade activities.”

Malaysia approved dockings for Zim in 2002 and for landings in 2005. The Muslim-majority country has long been a vocal supporter of the Palestinian cause and has no diplomatic relations with Israel.